Chapter Text
Zuko is confused. And that is a feeling that is a constant thing these days, because for some reason, the tea he sometimes drinks is different from before. Zuko does not remember changing the one who made tea, or buying some kind of special tea brand for any important event. So why does then the tea he drinks taste so differently. It is somehow weaker, watered down even. Like the one who made it, didn't really know what he or she was doing.
It is not a great concern or a worldwide problem, but it leaves Zuko puzzling over it, more than he should probably. He is not that much of a drinker, but even he can nowadays recognise something, and a bad tea is one of them. His uncle would probably never drink this, not even in his dreams. Zuko doesn't really want to complain or admit it is a problem, but it does sometimes grate on his nerves.
And for some reason Mai is in a really bad mood these days. Usually there is no connection between tea and Mai in any way, because unlike him, Mai doesn't drink tea. At all. But for some reason, his gut is telling him there is a connection.
So one day he decides to call his Uncle and Mai over to his room to drink tea. His uncle comes first, they order tea, and some time after that Mai appears in his room, looking as regal as ever, but with an air of expectation. They start to talk among themselves, the tea arrives, and they begin to drink it. His uncle makes a face, and Zuko silently agrees with him. The tea is better than a couple of times he drank it before, but still not up to his standard yet. "So how is your tea, Prince Zuko?" Mai asks suddenly, and Zuko finds himself surprised at the question.
"It can use some work," he answers truthfully, but for some reason Mai's face turns from disinterested to furious and she storms out of the room without a word. Zuko blinks in confusion and turns over to his uncle and asks what has he said wrong. His uncle sighs, a tirade probably on the horizon. "Mai was the one who made this tea. And the tea before that, and the tea before that. Your birthday is coming up, and she wanted to surprise you by making tea for you by herself. However my tutoring is proving to be rather difficult for her," he admits softly, and Zuko nods in answer. "I see, so that is why," Zuko looks blankly into his cup full of tea in silence, until he puts it down and gets up to follow after his girlfriend.
"I will be right back," he declares and Iroh smiles, waving him away. Zuko hurries after his girlfriend and finds Mai in her room, lying on the couch and blankly watching the celing. He comes over and sits on the floor, his face near hers. She doesn't react, like Zuko expected of her, so when the silence becomes oppressive, Zuko speaks: "Iroh told me what you did. Or better said what you wanted to do. It is very sweet of you, but you do not have too...." Zuko starts, but Mai cuts him off before he can continue.
"I just don't understand! Why can't I get it? Why is my tea so bland, and so bad? What am I doing wrong? Why can't I do this little thing for you, why is it so hard?"
Zuko doesn't say anything in the beginning, he just squeezes Mai's hand in his own, and sighs. "I know it looks easy, but believe me. Making tea is not as easy as it looks. Especially if you want to make good tea, or tea up to Iroh standards. You just need time and patience, nothing else. It will be alright Mai, I know you can do it. And even if you can't I would still drink your tea."
Mai looks over at Zuko, and squeezes his hand harder, to support him or to support herself Zuko isn't really sure. "You did always drink everything I made, even if it was really bad. But I still want to make it good!" She almost shouts, her eyes burning into him. "And you will, I have no doubt of that," Zuko reassures her, and she smiles at him, leaning in for a kiss, which he gladly gives her.
"Now let's go back. Uncle is probably still waiting, and he will want another tea to drink."
***
The sun has risen and declared a new day. That just so happened to be his birthday. Zuko woke up, dressed up and went down the hall, to find a room where he ate breakfast. He was also looking forward to his girlfriends tea. Every day Mai was becoming better and better at preparing it for him, and he hoped she will make him another delicious tea today too.
When he entered the room, Mai was already there sitting and eating in peace. Her head rose and she gave him one of her rare smiles, getting up from the chair and coming over to give him a kiss. He accepted it, and went over to sit next to her. When the tea was out before him, he looked at Mai significantly, and took a sip.
When he didn't say anything, but just continued to drink in silence, Mai asked impatiently: "So how is it?" Zuko looked up and smiled, giving Mai a kiss on the cheek and saying: "It's perfect. Thank you for this gift." Mai returned his smile and answered: "You are welcome, Zuko. Happy birthday."